61 PUV personnel fail drug test

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-one drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) and other public transport personnel were found positive for the use of illegal drugs during a nationwide surprise random drug test conducted by the Philippine Drug Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Friday.

PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva said yesterday the operation is part of the agency’s Oplan Harabas, aimed at ensuring the safety of the riding public from drivers who might be hooked on illegal drugs.

He said the 61 who were found to be drug users are 27 tricycle drivers, 11 bus drivers, 10 jeepney drivers, seven drivers of commuter vans, five conductors and one dispatcher.

They were found positive either for methamphetamine hydrochloride, better known as shabu, or marijuana.

“There is no doubt that there is a prevailing practice of drug use among the public transport driving population to keep awake while behind the wheel,” Villanueva said in a statement.

Villanueva said drivers who fail the confirmatory testing will not be allowed to ply their routes and have their licenses confiscated by the Land Transportation Office.

They are required to undergo intervention and reformation programs by their respective local barangay anti-drug abuse councils before they can reclaim their driver’s licenses.

The PDEA is also on the lookout for illegal drugs that could be carried by passengers at transport terminals, airports and seaports.